7 Comments

General CommentI can't believe no one's commented on this. I love this song.

First a correction. I think the line is "you were the foundres of the clinic in the hills."

I think over all it's pretty much about a guy who's addicted to drugs and owes his dealers a lot of money, so he decides to get a gun and just kill anyone who stands in his way. But that doesn't really some any of his problems.

I love the twangy, western guitars. I can definitely Steely Dan's influence on Midlake in this song.

Song MeaningThis is one of the best songs ever - not just one of the best Steely Dan songs, the best ever! This is about a crooked man who started a medical clinic with his friend but he became crooked and stole money from the clinic. His friend caught him and was going to turn him into the authorities but he killed him before he could. But the police caught him and he runs to the teller of the story who remembers him and refuses to help him. The murderer flees town, and is hunted down and has a standoff with the police. He is arrested and sent to jail, "I understand you will soon be leaving town" and again asks the speaker for help, but he only says to warn him when he gets out of jail.

General CommentSteely Dan rock out country-style better than anyone else! I love the "Ruby Don't Take Your Love to Town" drum beats and the desperate lyrics. It's about outlaws on the run - but in a counter-cultural hippie context(?) juxtaposed to the typical/traditional Hollywood Western.

The "clinic in the hills" is one of those great cryptic lines that stick with you.